Keep your eye out for the following warning signs…

Although varicose veins are very common and most of the time they don’t cause any problems, there are a few signs to keep your eye out for which may need the help of the medical eye.

Bleeding
Bleeding of your varicose veins is a key warning sign that you must see your GP immediately for an urgent referral. If this happens, get your leg higher than your heart immediately by lying down with your legs raised and resting on a stool. Put pressure on the area until the bleeding stops.

Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis occurs when the wall of the enlarged vein becomes inflamed and a blood clot forms. The skin may appear red and the vein is likely to feel very hard, lumpy and painful. If you are experiencing pain, anti-inflammatory medication should take control of the levels of pain. It usually settles within a month, however, if it lasts longer or occurs multiple times, see your GP.

Ulcers
If you have varicose veins, small cuts or knocks may take longer to heal on your legs than on other areas of your body. If these don’t heal after a few weeks, it’s worth seeing your GP.

Rashes/colour change
Due to the high pressure of varicose veins, poor healing, varicose eczema and colour changes may occur. Varicose eczema appears dry, red and rash like with symptoms flaring up at various times. However, all of the above make your skin more fragile and ulcers more common. It may be worth having a chat with your GP about your options if these are ongoing issues for you.

Swelling and discomfort
The pressure in the vein system can cause swelling which may become very uncomfortable. Feelings are often described as heaviness, aching and throbbing. If these symptoms are affecting your everyday life, it’s worth seeing your GP. From here they may suggest compression socks and raising your feet as often as possible. If these methods don’t help they may refer you for treatment.

The content of this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional.

Treatment at Spire Harpenden

If you would like treatment for varicose veins, did you know that from £100.30 per month** you could have this procedure at Spire Harpenden Hospital?  Within 48 hours of your enquiry, you could have an appointment with a specialist consultant who will guide you through your patient journey from initial consultation through to treatment and recovery.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Acceptance subject to credit status

**REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE

Amount of Credit £4,150.00. Total Amount Repayable £6,018.00. Repayable by 60 payments of £100.30. Interest rate 15.72% pa (variable). Representative 16.9% APR (variable).

Example based upon a medical procedure costing £4,150.00 repayable over 60 months. Other Terms and Conditions apply. Acceptance subject to credit status.                                         

Spire Healthcare is acting as a credit broker. Loans subject to application, terms and condition a